Political reforms more imperative than ever

Political reforms more imperative than ever

Since the announcement of his intention to run in the March
presidential election, Amien Rais has become more bold in his
criticism of the government. The chairman of the Muhammadiyah
Moslem organization talks at length with The Jakarta Post about
his ideas and concepts.

Questionb: Is the IMF economic reform package enough to
overcome the economic crisis?

Amien: Although the package is within the reform spirit, it
has many weaknesses. It projects a zero economic growth which
means that the economy won't be able to absorb the estimated
three million new job seekers this year. The high rate of company
failures will also increase the unemployment rate nationwide.

The economic contraction resulting from reduced government
spending, combined with an expected inflation rate of 20 percent,
will substantially cut the people's purchasing power.

Q: Is the IMF package detrimental to the people's interests?

A: I agree with critics who say that the reforms cater to the
economic needs of the wealthy more than to the interests of the
poor.

I fear that people in the low-income group will vent their
anger at the government when inflation begins to bite as soon as
the government goes ahead with its plan to increase fuel prices.

Q: Do you still insist on political reforms now that the
government has announced its economic reforms package?

A: I am pessimistic that the economic reforms will be fully
carried out. I have always insisted that political reforms are
far more urgent. Economic reforms would not likely succeed
without political reforms.

Q: Can you spell out your idea of political reforms?

A: They should include, at least, term limitation of a president,
a more open system of recruiting members of the House of
Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly,
decentralization in policy-making processes, improvement in
political environment through revision in the various political
laws. I hope to present the details of the reforms in the
upcoming national dialog.

Political reform should begin by replacing the national
leadership, which has created the current system to sustain its
power. So, it's impossible to reform the current political system
without replacing the figures at the top.

Q: At one time you suggested the establishment of a presidium
instead of appointing a president. What did you mean by that?

A: We seem to always have difficulties in finding a successor to
President Soeharto, without getting into a controversy. So I
suggested the appointment of a presidium to lead the nation at
the end of Soeharto's term of office in March.

Every time we mention a name, say Try Sutrisno, B.J. Habibie
or Ginandjar Kartasasmita, as a potential successor, we are
always drawn into endless debates. That could become
counterproductive. If we cannot agree on a suitable replacement,
we can at least appoint five or six figures who have proven track
records and clean reputations, such as representatives of various
factions, to lead the country.

Q: You have declared your readiness to be nominated as a
presidential candidate. What are you offering the nation?

A: If I am elected, I will launch both economic and political
reforms relevant to Indonesia's future.

I will revise and introduce laws that will ensure the
establishment of a clean government; will systematically and
consistently eradicate collusion and corruption practices; will
uphold the rule of law; and restore the country's political and
economic sovereignty.

The IMF-backed reforms reflect our dependence on the West. We
should therefore gradually reduce our ties with the IMF, to make
ourselves more independent.

Q: Do you plan to push your nomination further?

A: I have been very passive so far. I have not campaigned for my
presidential nomination. But if I see the momentum is conducive,
I will join my supporters to knock on the doors of the People's
Consultative Assembly, which is the only institution that can
process the nomination of presidential candidates.

Q: What about your "moral" alliance with Megawati Soekarnoputri?

A: I have more things in common than differences with Megawati.

We share the same goals for the democratization of the
country, for proper law enforcement, for the promotion of
people's interests, the reinvigoration of economic activities by
the majority of the people and, last but not least, for the
establishment of a clean government that is free from collusion,
corruption and nepotism.

I can work with anyone or any group, including Megawati,
Abdurrahman Wahid, church circles, non-governmental
organizations, the Armed Forces, Golkar and the business
community. I will continue to be open-minded and I am willing to
incorporate other peoples' views into my ideas for the future
betterment of the nation. (riz)

Dialog -- Page 4